tourism

noun

tour·​ism ˈtu̇r-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce tourism (audio)
1
: the practice of traveling for recreation
2
: the guidance or management of tourists
3
a
: the promotion or encouragement of touring
b
: the accommodation of tourists

Examples of tourism in a Sentence

The city developed the riverfront to encourage tourism. She has a job in tourism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Historic museum exhibits and even live history events — having a real horse or two with a coach driver dressed in late 19th- or early 20th-century garb — would continue the tourism value Manhattan needs to maintain. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 Orange County must also consider existing commitments and the long-term needs of the tourism infrastructure that generates these revenues. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 The deaths captured international attention and rocked the local economy, which authorities said was heavily reliant on tourism. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 At least 19 people have been killed, school classes have been canceled, and the disruption threatens the kingdom's ambitious plans to transform itself into a global hub for business, tourism and sports. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tourism

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tourism was in 1811

Rhymes for tourism

See All Rhymes for tourism

Browse Nearby Words

touring car
tourism
tourist
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Cite this Entry

“Tourism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tourism. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tourism

noun
tour·​ism ˈtu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce tourism (audio)
: the practice of traveling for pleasure or the business of encouraging and serving such traveling

More from Merriam-Webster on tourism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tourism

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